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How to Say ‘Can you wait?’ in Portuguese

Pode esperar?

POH-dih shpeh-RAR

[POH-dih shpeh-RAR]

💬 Usage Tip: Pode with no "you" is the polite way to ask a stranger. The same opener works for many requests: Pode parar aqui? "Can you stop here?"

Phrase Breakdown

Pode

[POH-dih]

can you

A polite way to ask if someone is able or willing to do something.

Example

Pode ajudar-me com a mala, por favor?

Can you help me with the suitcase, please?

esperar

[shpeh-RAR]

to wait

Verb meaning to wait; can also mean to hope or expect.

Example

Vou esperar aqui.

I'll wait here.

Guides for Portuguese learners

The Portuguese You Actually Need in Your First Month in PortugalThe European Portuguese phrases for your first weeks in Portugal: paperwork, renting a flat, the bank, the health centre, cafés, trains and your new neighbours.

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